New Car/Review

1999 Chrysler LHS

by Carey Russ

Chrysler's premium luxury sedan, the 1999 LHS, offers a
combination of style, features, and balance that is most unusual in its
class. Where others strive to blend European sportiness with American
space and character and fall short, the LHS succeeds. Thoroughly
Chrysler in its bold styling, the LHS combines the space and comforts
expected in an American luxury car with the road manners found in a
European import.

Although the second-generation LHS is an evolutionary
development of the car of the same name first introduced for the 1994
model year, little besides that name is unchanged. If the new LHS's
bolder styling is the most obvious difference, the unseen changes are
the most important. A more rigid chassis structure reduces noise levels
and allows for improved suspension tuning, and an all-new high-
output overhead cam aluminum V6 engine gives smooth, sophisticated
performance.

Typically for today's Chrysler line, the LHS is priced to
compete with competitor's "entry-luxury" lines. But nearly every
comfort and convenience feature expected in a luxury car is included
in the base price. The short option list is tailored to specific needs such
as cold-weather operation and smokers (yes, the lighter and ashtray are
now options), and upgraded wheels and stereo systems. This week's
test car was delivered to me with no options at all. None were missed.
If the price is at the low end of the luxury class, the LHS's equipment
levels are solidly in the middle and its interior space compares
favorably with many premium luxury cars. It is offered only with a V6
engine, not a "prestige" V8, but that V6 makes more power than some
V8s found in more expensive luxury cars. There is no mistaking the
LHS's origin -- it's an American luxury sedan through and through.
But, it's a modern American luxury sedan that can hold its own against
any competitor, including those costing $10,000 more. And it has
styling and balanced performance that should appeal to the younger
buyers courted by all domestic luxury manufacturers.

APPEARANCE: Is it futuristic or is it retro? Neither, really. Bold
grilles have been a Chrysler styling hallmark since the 1950s, and the
large, ovoid, egg-crate grille on the LHS keeps the tradition going. It
has a similarity to the Italian-built Chrysler Corp. show cars of the
early 1950s, perhaps. The kidney-shaped headlights are the latest in
automotive fashion; the front fender line follows their contours. True
to its "cab-forward" heritage, the new LHS is characterized by a long
arched passenger cabin and short body overhangs. The formal rear
window establishes continuity with the original LHS, but looks more
integrated into the total design in the new car. The LHS is long, but not
overly wide, which makes parking easier. That also makes it look
compact when viewed directly from the front or rear.

COMFORT: The LHS's interior is contemporary with a slight nod to
the past in the chrome-bezeled black-on-white instruments and analog
clock. They provide contrast to the monochrome dark gray leather and
synthetics of the seating and door trim, and the faux-wood trim. Its an
interesting design that could look right out of the dark ages of "fine
Corinthian leather" if done poorly. Large windows and careful design
help prevent that. Both front and outboard rear seating areas are of
perforated leather for some ventilation in warm weather. The
comfortable front buckets are heated, and the driver's seat has two-
person memory that includes mirror position and radio station
memory. The hooded main instrument pod presents necessary
information well, and important controls are logically-placed and easy
to use. There are five vents on the dash for the climate control system,
plus rear-seat vents at the end of the center console. Power accessories,
plenty of storage spaces, and visors with extensions add to
convenience. A driver information center mounted above the rearview
mirror gives useful information. The rear seat provides as much space
and comfort for the outboard passengers as is found in front; a third
person can fit between them. The rear seat has a central armrest and
ski-passthrough. The huge trunk has external struts to prevent crushed
luggage.

ROADABILITY: The LHS shines in the ride and handling department.
Its fully-independent strut-type suspension balances ride comfort and
responsive handling better than some of the luxury imports. It's smooth
and quiet, but surprisingly nimble, especially considering its size.
Some American luxury cars can be fun to drive! The vehicle-speed
proportional power steering is weighted very well for all speeds, and
not too light for good control at highway speeds. The four-wheel
antilock disc brakes stop surely.

PERFORMANCE: The LHS's new 3.5-liter single overhead cam,
aluminum alloy V6 is a modern design with 253 horsepower and 255
lb-ft of torque. That's better than some competitor's V8s. Low-rpm
torque is very good, giving the LHS very good acceleration from the
low and medium speeds commonly encountered in American driving.
The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and quiet, and a good
match for the engine.

CONCLUSIONS: The Chrysler LHS is an American luxury car for
today's luxury car customers.